Deals

Real estate agent Purplebricks said publishing group Axel Springer had bought an 11.5% stake in the company for £125m, while warning that its annual revenue growth would miss market expectations.

Axel Springer agreed to purchase around 27.8m shares in the company at 360p each for around £100m, representing an 8.6% discount to their most recent 10-day volume-weighted average price. In addition, Axel Springer agreed to buy around 6.9m shares, also at 360p each, from chief executive Michael Bruce, director William Whitehorn and sales director Kenny Bruce.

The funds raised would be used to accelerate the group’s expansion in the US, support entry into new markets and fund technological innovation, Purplebricks said.

The Peterborough Festival of Antiques, held twice a year at the East of England Arena and Events Centre (EEAEC), has announced that it has been acquired by International Antiques & Collectors Fairs (IACF).